This particular pipe was made in the 1960's by a maker surnamed Oliva who lived near Mt. Etna and was purchased by the late Robert Thomas, one of the key figures in the revival of many early instruments particularly on the West Coast of the United States. The Chiaramedda has the greatest musical range of any of the bagpipes of the Zampogna family - one full octave, using both chanters. It is usually played solo.

Musical Notes:

The scales and key signatures given may be regarded as approximations; bagpipes may deviate from conventional standards in absolute and relative pitch.

The Sicilian Zampogna, called a "Chiaramedda," being played by Sean Folsom.

The four pipes and their common stock, typical of this class of instrument.

Note the wax in the fingerholes; this is a standard way to tune individual notes on these and very many other pipes.